The Rolling Stones - Are Singing

The Rolling Stones got great satisfaction this weekend as the Prodigal Son and 'Shot Dad' pulled off two wins over the weekend to claim the coveted Winter League title with a game to spare. After winning the previous day against Jackson and Lord, they knew the destiny was in their own hands as the faced Dastardly in Muttley in the much awaited head to head. With Dastardly unfortunately sidelined for the game it was left to Muttley and stand-in Callum to play for the medals. The Stones' held their nerve however and came out on top to take the plaudits and the title.

Waiting in the wings for an upset were Bluto Hunt and The Pot Hunting Johnson, knowing that a defeat for The Stones would have opened the doors for them to claim the title with a win. Unfortunately for them however, they came up against the Perennial Party Poopers Prof and Plod, who once again were instrumental in determining the direction of the title with a solid win. Bluto and Pot Hunter finishing second overall, with Dastardly and Muttley dropping down to third.

PP & The Shark also had an outside sniff of success as they faced the Young Pretenders. A win for them would have seen them finish second, however, a hard fought half was not enough for them as they slipped outside of the top three.

Has anyone seen Captain & Pro lately? It's small print for them again this week I'm afraid, as the much fancied pairing crashed to their fifth straight defeat (this time to Jackson and Lord) to finish propping up the Super league.

The Plate continues to be anyone's call, especially after Barlow and Brown were sent crashing by The Servicemen (6&5 thumping handed out by Marshall and Major - who go top having now completed all their matches). Watch out for The Stewardson's who are sneaking up on the inside. A hammering into the ground of Levis and Thorley (well that's how Dave described it), has seen them up to third. Victory in their last game coupled with defeat for Brown and Barlow, could see them nick it. Don't write off The Quiet Men though - Baby Bear and Ian Walter's (yes I realise that this is a complete misnomer - but it fits better with the text). With two matches still to play, they could still feature in the silverware (which again is another misnomer, having now seen the prizes).

The Silver's were out-foxed today by Booth and Blain, who finally broke their duck with their first win (and points for that matter, of the second half).

Champion Slicer's have also been crowned today with Music Hall pair Beswick and Allen comfortably beating Cole and Booth to have an unassailable lead in the division. Somewhat unexpectedly up into second are Tayor and Stewardson with victory over Alas Moss & Jones, although they'll have to sit and watch the results next week having now completed their matches. Any one of the three chasing pairs (Moss & Jones, Cole & Booth or Parkes and The Wolverine could still steal second place.

There was a Quirky result elsewhere in the Division (or should that be a Quirkless result). However, you dress it up, the result will always be considered a shock, as Glazier and Tew secured their first three pointer with a win over Bennett and stand-in Penney to haul themselves off the bottom of the division. Next week sees them in a head to head with The Twighlighters to determine the wooden spoon. For some reason the TV companies have all declined to televise this one.

Only two matches in the Hackers Division today. Malc Shannon was instrumental in the defeat of Stevens and Stand-in Johnson. In the same game Bill Dootson was instrumental in the defeat of Stevens and Stand-in Johnson (it again depends on who you speak to). Big Dog and Ivor were sent to defeat against against the 100 percenters and divisional leaders Tallents and Walters. However, despite having won all their matches, this division will be determined with head to head decider with Bailey and Stevens next week.

So that's it for this week. The Rolling Stones are singing.........Beswick and Allen are dancing........ but it's up for grabs still in the other divisions and all will be settled next Sunday morning.

For all those who have competed their matches, it would be great if you could attend next Sunday after the morning fixtures. We will be able to celebrate and applaud the victors and commiserate with the vanquished. Stories can be told although in Bill and Malcs case the same story, with a different hero. Phil Thorley has sent his apologies, as he has a net session.

For a little extra interest next Sunday. Andy Levis is bringing in his 'Bar Football' table. We propose to have a mini competition between the winter league teams. No doubt the beer will be flowing and there'll be few tales to tell.

See you next week..... for one last time!......... Before the Weekend Away that is!

Mike Booth